Greater wax moth larvae

Greater wax moth or honeycomb moth is the larva of the wax moth, an insect that naturally lives in hives, feeding on wax, honey residue, and pollen. Its body is fleshy, light in color, with a brownish head, and can reach 2.5-3 cm in length in the larval stage. The main reason mealworms are so frequently used in terrariums is their composition: they are very rich in fat, a characteristic that makes them particularly useful in certain contexts:

- Weak or convalescing animals, which require easily assimilated energy;
- Species in the shriveling phase (hibernation or semi-hibernation), when energy levels are at a minimum;
- Growing individuals, but only if balanced with other foods with a higher protein content.

Conservation:
One of the most appreciated features by breeders and enthusiasts is their ease of preservation. Mealworms can be kept alive in the refrigerator (between 5 and 10°C), where they slow down their metabolism without dying. Alternatively, they develop more rapidly at room temperature, eventually pupating and transforming into moths.

Although very common in the reptile and amphibian world, mealworms are also used in other contexts:

- Ornithology: Insectivorous birds are fond of them, especially during the breeding season and raising chicks.

- Sport fishing: They are a very effective natural bait for trout, carp, chub, and perch.

- Domestic anthills: Some ant species appreciate their innards, which are used as a protein source.